ruination vs downfall

ruination and downfall both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
ruination	Yes	No	No	No
downfall	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, ruination and downfall are synonyms defined as:

ruination and downfall: failure that results in a loss of position or reputation

Other synonyms of ruination include ruin.

ruination (noun)	downfall (noun)
destruction achieved by causing something to be wrecked or ruined	a sudden decline in strength or number or importance
an event that results in destruction	failure that results in a loss of position or reputation
failure that results in a loss of position or reputation	the falling to earth of any form of water (rain or snow or hail or sleet or mist)
an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction